After a chaotic return from the United States last month, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday staged a symbolic homecoming in Murang’a, Kiambu and Nyeri counties.
Mr Gachagua left the country on July 9 for the United States, announcing he would be away for two months. Though scheduled to return on September 8, he cut short his stay, saying he had to take charge of campaigns for the November 27 by-elections.
Gachagua announces 2027 presidential bid
But upon arrival on August 21, his planned grand welcome collapsed after his motorcade was pelted with stones by gangs suspected to have been hired by rival politicians. He had originally planned to be received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, drive through Mombasa Road into Nairobi’s CBD and address a rally at Kamukunji grounds.
“I am now going to stage regional homecomings after President William Ruto and his collaborators used violence to stop me when I jetted back,” he told supporters.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua gestures during an interview with NTV at his Karen home in Nairobi on June 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
Mr Gachagua became the first deputy president to be impeached under the 2010 Constitution on charges that included ethnic incitement, intimidation of judges and abuse of office.
“You know very well that President Ruto and his allies blocked me from receiving the welcome my supporters had planned. But come rain or shine, I remain one of the most committed liberators—and I must vote him out in 2027,” he declared in Kenol town, Murang’a.
“I must come back to the people. This is one way. I will hold homecoming tours across Mt Kenya and later expand to other regions to mobilise for my presidential bid,” he said.
He urged Mt Kenya voters to remain united, register in large numbers and prepare to vote out President Ruto and his allies in 2027.
During his rallies, the former DP accused the government of tokenism, bribery and cronyism. He also sought forgiveness from the region’s voters for what he termed his 2022 mistake of imposing Dr Ruto on them.
“I also campaigned for traitors who are now helping him oppress our people. I am back to seek your blessings to vie for the presidency in 2027,” he told crowds.
Mr Gachagua also listed what he claimed were five tricks being used by the president to weaken the Mountain: dishing out money, sponsoring multiple Mt Kenya presidential candidates, denying youth identity cards, persecuting leaders through arrests, and escalating abductions and enforced disappearances of dissenters.
He further alleged that Murang’a was a prime target, with Dr Ruto sponsoring politicians to form rival parties as part of a “divide and rule” strategy.
In Karatina, his political base, Mr Gachagua—who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party—declared: “After Ruto disgraced me by hounding me out of office, I am back to announce that I will succeed him.”
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua poses for a photograph after unveiling his new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), at the party headquarters in the Lavington, Nairobi, on May 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Thomas Mukoya | Reuters
The ex-DP has since aligned with Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party and Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party, and other political parties as they craft a way to beat the president in 2027.
Mr Gachagua’s return appears calculated to counter Dr Ruto’s charm offensive in Mt Kenya, where the president has been hosting delegations from counties at State House.
“My government was made in Mt Kenya and I will not be distracted by lords of tribalism and negativities,” the president has previously declared.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, on Sunday urged Mt Kenya residents to remain loyal to the president.
“President Ruto is focused on transforming lives, not politicking. Let us support him and ignore these negativities,” Mr Mwaura said.
